Handrail Bracket

ABSTRACT

A handrail bracket comprised of a bracket body, bracket mount and a paddle pin. The bracket mount is secured to a wall via three mounting holes where screws are inserted to securely attach the mounting bracket to a wall. The bracket mount is also comprised of two inner channels and two outer channels that correspond to two inner protrusions and two outer protrusions of the bracket body. Once the bracket mount is attached to the wall, the bracket body is connected to the bracket mount by aligning the inner and outer bracket channels with the inner and outer protrusions of the bracket body. When the bracket mount and bracket body are engaged, a paddle pin or set screw is used to secure the bracket mount to the bracket body. Finally, two screws and a rail bracket are used to secure the bracket body to the handrail.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to the field of mounting hardware. More specifically, the present invention relates to the field of handrails and mounting hardware thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, handrails are mounted onto supports such as walls or posts through mounting brackets. The brackets serve the dual function of supporting the handrail and providing a selected spacing from the support.

The typical handrail bracket is a single piece cast design with three holes for mounting the bracket to a wall surface, and an extended arm for mounting to and supporting the actual handrail, where it is affixed to the handrail using another bracket to attach the arm to the handrail or it is cast with a bracket for attachment to the hand rail.

The first issues with such once piece cast handrail brackets is the difficulty of installation. A typical wall stud is, although called a two-by-four, most commonly measures 1½ by 3½ inches. This makes the spacing around a standard cast handrail with the three triangulated mounting holes very small and difficult to install, especially when using a powered drill, which then typically also includes an extended or long screw bit not commonly provided with such tools for proper installation of the screws into the wall stud for stur dy securement, without the collar of the drill rubbing the arm of the handrail bracket, which commonly results in damage the drill collar or the handrail bracket.

A second issue with the standard cast handrail bracket is the unsightly appearance after install. During the install process, due to the difficulty in the install and screwing and securing, screws are commonly stripped or gouged giving them a poor appearance. Additionally, simply seeing the screws is undesirable for many.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an improved handrail bracket that provides a secure attachment to wall studs, where the arm of the bracket is eliminated during the installation process making the instillation easier, quicker and more accurate.

The present invention is a handrail bracket comprised of a bracket body, bracket mount and a paddle pin. The bracket mount is secured to a wall via three mounting holes where screws are inserted to securely attach the mounting bracket to a wall. The bracket mount is also comprised of two inner channels and two outer channels that correspond to two inner protrusions and two outer protrusions of the bracket body. Once the bracket mount is attached to the wall, the bracket body is connected to the bracket mount by aligning the inner and outer bracket channels with the inner and outer protrusions of the bracket body. When the bracket mount and bracket body are engaged, a paddle pin or set screw is used to secure the bracket mount to the bracket body. Finally, two screws and a rail bracket are used to secure the bracket body to the handrail.

Additionally, the handrail bracket of the present invention eliminates or rather, hides, the unsightly wall mount attachment screws after installation, providing a more desirable appearance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates two handrail assemblies as taught by the present invention holding a rail.

FIG. 2a illustrates an exploded view of the handrail of the present invention and its component parts.

FIG. 2b illustrates an assembled view of the handrail of the present invention.

FIG. 3a is a front view of the handrail of the present invention in a locked and assembled position.

FIG. 3b is a front view of the handrail of the present invention in an unlocked and slid apart or separated position.

FIG. 4a is a back view of the handrail of the present invention in a locked position.

FIG. 4b is a back view of the handrail of the present invention in an unlocked position showing the partial turn of the paddle pin.

FIG. 5a illustrates the curved protruding feature and flat clearance feature of the handrail of the present invention which, when in a locked position the larger curved area keeps the double T from sliding.

FIG. 5b is a top planar view illustrating the body and mount in a fixed or locked position.

FIG. 5c is a cross section view of plan A-A as shown in FIG. 5 b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the invention of exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings (where like numbers represent like elements), which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, but other embodiments may be utilized; and logical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

In the following description, specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it is understood that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques known to one of ordinary skill in the art have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the invention. Referring to the figure, it is possible to see the various major elements constituting the apparatus of the present invention.

The present invention is an improved handrail bracket that provides a secure attachment to wall studs, where the arm of the bracket is eliminated during the installation process making the instillation easier, quicker and more accurate. FIG. 1 illustrates two handrail assemblies as taught by the present invention holding a rail. FIG. 2b illustrates an assembled view of the handrail of the present invention.

FIG. 2a illustrates an exploded view of the handrail of the present invention and its component parts. The present invention is a handrail bracket as shown assembled in FIGS. 1, 2 b, and 3 a. As shown in FIG. 2a , the main bracket has five parts; the Body 201, the Mount 203, the Bridge Plate 208, the Paddle Pin 202, the Knob 205, and the Set Screw 206.

As shown in the Figures, the main bracket mount 203 is secured to a wall via three mounting holes where screws, typically three #10 screws an inch and a half in length are inserted to securely attach the mounting bracket to a wall. The bracket mount is also comprised of two inner channels and two outer channels as shown in FIG. 2a that correspond to two inner protrusions and two outer protrusions of the bracket body 201.

Once the bracket mount 203 is attached to the wall, the bracket body 201 is connected to the bracket mount 203 by aligning the inner and outer bracket channels of the bracket mount 203 with the inner and outer protrusions of the bracket body 201.

When the bracket mount 203 and bracket body 201 are engaged as shown in FIGS. 3a, 5b , and 5 c, a paddle pin 202 or set screw as shown in FIGS. 2a, 4a, and 4b is used to secure the bracket mount 203 to the bracket body 201 in an assembly as shown in FIGS. 2b, 3a, 5b and 5c . FIG. 4a is a back view of the handrail of the present invention in a locked position. FIG. 4b is a back view of the handrail of the present invention in an unlocked position showing the partial turn of the paddle pin.

Finally, two screws, typically #10 screws one inch in length, and a rail bracket, also referred to as a bridge plate or tip plate 208, are used to secure the bracket body 201 to the handrail as shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to Figures, the bracket mount 203 is shown with a triangular shape having one mounting holes located peak of the triangular shape and two mounting holes located at the opposing base of the triangular shape of the bracket mount 203. The three mounting holes accept #10 screws for securely attaching the bracket mount 203 to a wall structure. The bracket mount 203 is then further defined with two inner channels running parallel to the height of the bracket mount 203 and one opposing side channel running the length of the sides.

Now referring to figures, the bracket body 201 is comprised of an arm with extends from the bracket body 201 to a handrail. The bracket body 201 is comprised of four protrusions which correspond to the channels of the bracket mount 203. Two inner protrusions of the bracket body 201 are slidably engaged to the two inner channels of the bracket mount 203. Additionally, opposing side protrusions of the bracket body 201 are slidably engaged with the opposing side channels of the bracket mount 203.

When the bracket mount 203 and bracket body 201 are slidably engaged, they form one unit, that being a complete handrail bracket as shown in the figures. When attached, the handrail body 201 is securely mounted to a wall and the arm of the bracket body 201 extends in an upward fashion from approximately the middle of the bracket body 201 to attach to and secure a handrail as shown in the Figures.

Referring to FIGS. 2a, 4a, and 4b , the paddle pin 202 has a longer slotted section and a loft/sweep component where rotation secures or releases the paddle pin 202 from the bracket. The paddle pin 202, or a set screw 206, to release the bracket body 201 from the bracket mount 203 engages or disengages from the slotted channels of the bracket mount 203 as shown in the figures. FIG. 3a is a front view of the handrail of the present invention in a locked and assembled position. FIG. 3b is a front view of the handrail of the present invention in an unlocked and slid apart or separated position.

In another embodiment, the paddle pin 202 can be further comprised of a knob 205 attached to the top of the pin. By attaching a knob 205 to the paddle pin 202, the need for tools to install and tighten the paddle pin 202 is removed as an installer or home owner can quickly and easily install the paddle pin 202 and rotate with their fingers and thumb to tighten or loosen the paddle pin 202 and secure, attached together, the bracket mount 203 and bracket body 201, or quickly and readily allow for the detachment and quick and easy removal of the handrail for such activities as cleaning, painting, or replacement.

FIG. 5a illustrates the curved protruding feature and flat clearance feature of the handrail of the present invention which, when in a locked position the larger curved area keeps the double T from sliding.

FIG. 5b is a top planar view illustrating the bracket body 201 and bracket mount 203 in a fixed or locked position. FIG. 5c is a cross section view of plan A-A as shown in FIG. 5b . In FIG. 5a , reference character 501 is any curved protruding feature, reference character 502 represents a flat clearance feature and in FIG. 5c , reference character 503 is what applicant is defining as and is calling a “double T” retention shape. In the device taught by the present invention, when locked the larger curved area keeps the “double T” from sliding.

The sliding double T, in one embodiment, is a dovetail as the simplest form offering retention on a guided rail shape).

Thus, it is appreciated that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variation in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the above description are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Furthermore, other areas of art may benefit from this method and adjustments to the design are anticipated. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given. 

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A handrail bracket comprising, a bracket body having a first triangular shape; a bracket mount having a second triangular shape; and a paddle pin.
 2. The handrail bracket of claim 1, wherein the bracket body is further comprised of a body portion; an arm extending from the body portion; the body portion having a single hole; and the body portion having a plurality of protrusions.
 3. The handrail bracket of claim 2, wherein the body portion protrusions are further defined as having two inner protrusions extending from a base of the triangular shape to a top running in parallel to each other; and two opposing protrusions running the length of the triangular sides from the base to the top.
 4. The handrail bracket of claim 3, wherein the protrusions and channels of the bracket mount and the protrusions and channels of the bracket body form a double T configuration where, when in a locked position a larger curved area keeps the double T from sliding.
 5. The handrail bracket of claim 1, wherein the bracket mount is further comprised of a plurality of holes; and a plurality of channels.
 6. The handrail bracket of claim 5, wherein the bracket mount channels are further defined as having two inner channels extending from a base of the triangular shape to a top running in parallel to each other; and two opposing channels running the length of the triangular sides from the base to the top.
 7. The handrail bracket of claims 6, wherein the protrusion of the bracket body are slidably engageable with the channels of the bracket mount.
 8. The handrail bracket of claims 7, wherein the paddle pin secures the bracket body to the bracket mount.
 9. The handrail bracket of claims 8, wherein the paddle pin is a set screw.
 10. The handrail bracket of claims 1, wherein the bracket mount is secured to a wall via the three mounting holes.
 11. The handrail bracket of claims 10, wherein screws, typically three #10 screws a inch and a half in length, are inserted to securely attach the mounting bracket to a wall.
 12. The handrail bracket of claims 11, wherein once the bracket mount is attached to the wall, the bracket body is connected to the bracket mount by aligning the inner and outer bracket channels with the inner and outer protrusions of the bracket body.
 13. The handrail bracket of claims 12, wherein when the bracket mount and bracket body are engaged, a paddle pin or set screw is used to secure the bracket body to the bracket mount in an assembly.
 14. The handrail bracket of claims 13, wherein two screws and a rail bracket, also referred to as a bridge plate or tip plate, are used to secure the bracket body to a handrail.
 15. A handrail bracket comprising, a bracket body with a triangular shape having one mounting hole located peak of the triangular shape and two mounting holes located at the opposing base of the triangular shape of the bracket mount, and two inner protrusions running parallel to the height of the bracket mount, and two opposing side protrusions, each running the length of the long sides of the triangular shape form base to top of the bracket mount; a bracket mount having a second smaller triangular shape having two inner channels running parallel to the height of the bracket mount, and two opposing side channels, each running the length of the long sides of the triangular shape form base to top of the bracket mount; and a paddle pin or set screw for securing the bracket mount and bracket body together.
 16. The handrail bracket of claim 15, wherein the two inner protrusions of the bracket body are slidably engaged to the two inner channels of the bracket mount; and the opposing side protrusions of the bracket body are slidably engaged with the opposing side channels of the bracket mount.
 17. The handrail bracket of claim 15, wherein the three mounting holes accept #10 screws for securely attaching the bracket mount to a wall structure; and a top or bridge plate is used to secure the arm to a handrail with two screws.
 18. The handrail bracket of claims 17, wherein the paddle pin is further comprised of a knob for tightening and loosening.
 19. The handrail bracket of claim 16, wherein the protrusions and channels of the bracket mount and the protrusions and channels of the bracket body form a double T configuration where, when in a locked position a larger curved area keeps the double T from sliding.
 20. The handrail bracket of claim 19, wherein the sliding double T, is a dovetail form offering retention on a guided rail shape. 